FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2002
Contact: John-Mark Hack or Penny Cline, Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy (502) 564-4627

Horticulture Options Expand for Kentucky Farmers

Governor Paul Patton yesterday presented a check for $1,452,650 to representatives of the Kentucky Horticulture Council to expand diversification options for Kentucky farmers. The project was one of hundreds funded by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, the group charged with the investment of tobacco settlement resources to diversify Kentucky's tobacco-dependent farm economy. The Horticulture Council will work with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture to expand field trials of new plant varieties and technical assistance through the Cooperative Extension Service. The Council will also contract with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to address marketing needs of horticulture producers.

"Kentucky farmers have proven over the years that they can compete in the horticulture industry with the highest quality vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants," Governor Patton said. "This program will expand the technical assistance available to this important growing sector of Kentucky's farm economy on both the production and the marketing sides."

As tobacco profits decline, Kentucky farmers are looking for other ways to increase farm income. Many producers are turning to the production of vegetables, berries, fruits, and plants as they diversify. The Council represents a variety of horticulture groups including producers of vegetables, fruits, wine, herbs, nuts, and ornamental plants. The project goal is to educate farmers on best farming practices, especially those who may be entering into horticulture production for the first time. The project also seeks to address the need for developing markets for horticultural products. This two-year project serves as a foundation for the development of Kentucky horticulture by supporting new horticultural ventures.

"Horticulture represents one of the solutions to the income crisis faced by many Kentucky farmers," said John-Mark Hack, Chief Executive Office of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. "It's not a silver bullet solution for all farmers, but there's opportunity in the horticulture sector for those with the commitment to succeed."

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Lee Todd, President of the University of Kentucky; C. A. Pantle, Representative of the Kentucky Horticulture Council; Governor Paul Patton, Chairman of the Agricultural Development Board; Billy Ray Smith, Commissioner of Agriculture.
Click image to enlarge.

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Lee Todd, President of the University of Kentucky; C. A. Pantle, Representative of the Kentucky Horticulture Council; Governor Paul Patton, Chairman of the Agricultural Development Board; Dwayne Ingram, Chairman of the UK Horticulture Department; Tom Weeks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Kentucky Horticulture Council; Charlie Wilson, Wilson's Nursery; Billy Ray Smith, Commissioner of Agriculture.
Click image to enlarge.

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